Last Looks at the Beauty From the 2026 Vanity Fair Oscar Party Red Carpet
The afterglow of the 98th Academy Awards lingered Sunday night as Hollywood’s elite gathered at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) for the annual Vanity Fair Oscar Party. While the ceremony itself celebrates cinematic achievement, the Vanity Fair after-party has become synonymous with a different kind of spectacle: a showcase of high fashion and, crucially, beauty trends. This year’s event, the first to be held at LACMA, saw a shift towards wearable glamour, with attendees opting for looks that emphasized radiance and a natural glow, a welcome change after months of red carpet intensity. Guests took advantage of a touch-up station presented by L’Oréal Paris before stepping onto the carpet, ensuring their looks remained fresh throughout the night.
The 2026 Vanity Fair Oscar Party beauty landscape wasn’t about dramatic transformations, but rather enhancing existing features. A focus on skin health and subtle sculpting dominated, signaling a move away from heavily contoured looks. This emphasis on a natural aesthetic allowed the personalities of the attendees to shine through, complementing rather than overshadowing their ensembles. The event, livestreamed on VanityFair.com and YouTube, presented by Lilly and L’Oréal Paris, offered viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the evening’s beauty choices, as well as candid celebrity interviews and real-time fashion commentary. Vanity Fair enlisted top creators to host the reimagined livestream, expanding its reach and engagement.
Glowing Skin and Subtle Color
Several celebrities embraced the “less is more” approach, prioritizing luminous skin and understated color palettes. Cara Delevingne exemplified this trend with subtle pigments, while Chase Infiniti opted for a glossy nude lip. This preference for natural-looking lips extended to others, with Iris Apatow and Alison Brie showcasing just-bitten matte pouts. The emphasis on a fresh face allowed the overall look to feel modern and effortless, perfectly suited for a celebratory evening. The choice of nude and pink tones complemented a wide range of skin tones and outfit colors, demonstrating the versatility of this trend.
Bold Lips and Classic Eyes
While subtlety reigned for many, a touch of boldness wasn’t absent. Odessa A’zion made a statement with a striking cherry cola liner, adding a playful pop of color to her look. The resurgence of classic beauty techniques was similarly evident, with Heidi Klum and Quinta Brunson both sporting timeless smokey eyes. This demonstrated that while trends evolve, certain looks remain eternally chic. The smokey eye, in particular, is a versatile choice that can be adapted to suit different eye shapes and skin tones, making it a perennial favorite among celebrities and makeup artists alike.
Simone Ashley, known for her role in “Bridgerton,” and Bella Hadid both incorporated shimmer beyond their clothing, extending the high-wattage effect onto their shoulders. This coordinated approach to shimmer created a cohesive and glamorous look, highlighting their overall style. Ashley, preparing for the party, highlighted three L’Oréal Paris products as essential for the carpet: Colour Riche Lipstick in shade 570, Extensionist Mascara, and L’Oréal Paris Setting Spray. In a video with Vanity Fair, Ashley described the lipstick as a “really natural color, but it has a tiny little hint, something pinky,” and praised the mascara for creating “super long and lengthened and volumized” lashes. She emphasized the importance of the setting spray for ensuring her makeup remained flawless throughout the night, allowing her to focus on connecting with others.
The L’Oréal Paris Influence
L’Oréal Paris played a significant role in shaping the beauty looks at the 2026 Vanity Fair Oscar Party, not only through its touch-up station but also through its products favored by celebrities like Simone Ashley and Heidi Klum. The brand’s commitment to providing accessible yet high-quality beauty solutions resonated with attendees, who sought looks that were both glamorous and long-lasting. The presence of a dedicated touch-up station underscored the importance of maintaining a flawless appearance throughout the evening, allowing guests to refresh their makeup and ensure they looked their best for photos and interactions.
LACMA as the Backdrop
This year’s choice of LACMA as the venue added a unique artistic dimension to the event. A 100-foot-long silver wall was erected under the building canopy, serving as a backdrop for the red carpet and press areas, and framing illuminated bronze figures from the museum’s permanent collection. According to La Guestlist, this created a visually stunning environment that blended art and entertainment. The integration of art into the event’s aesthetic further elevated the overall experience, providing a sophisticated and memorable setting for Hollywood’s biggest stars.
Key Takeaways
- Natural Radiance: The dominant trend was a focus on glowing skin and subtle enhancements, moving away from heavy makeup.
- Bold Accents: While natural looks prevailed, pops of color, particularly on the lips, added a touch of personality.
- Classic Techniques: Timeless beauty techniques like the smokey eye demonstrated enduring appeal.
- L’Oréal Paris Presence: The brand played a key role, providing touch-up services and products favored by celebrities.
As the night concluded, the 2026 Vanity Fair Oscar Party reaffirmed its status as a premier destination for celebrating both cinematic achievement and the artistry of beauty. The emphasis on wearable glamour and natural radiance suggests a continuing shift towards a more authentic and effortless aesthetic in Hollywood. The next major event on the entertainment calendar is the Cannes Film Festival, scheduled to begin May 11, 2026, where You can expect to see further evolution of these beauty trends. What are your favorite looks from the 2026 Vanity Fair Oscar Party? Share your thoughts in the comments below and don’t forget to share this article with your friends!